The latest edition of Assa Abloy’s long-running Wireless Access Control Report has just been published, and the 2025 report paints a picture of a maturing market where digital and mobile solutions are becoming the norm.
With strong momentum behind trends such as wireless adoption, sustainability, and cloud services, the focus now turns to increasingly intelligent integrations and to demonstrating ROI to cement access control's role in a new generation of smart, secure, and efficient buildings.
For the first time in six editions of researching and publishing this biennial report, Assa Abloy’s survey finds that wireless (fully or partly) systems have overtaken wired-only deployments among those who manage access digitally.
Ongoing digitalisation of access
“We are delighted to offer a snapshot of the ongoing digitalisation of access, which is steadily becoming a wireless-first technology,” says Richard Sharp, VP & Head of Product Unit Wireless Locks, DAS at Assa Abloy Opening Solutions EMEIA.
“Now running for more than a decade, our report once again highlights ways for security departments and consultants to contribute to their overall business. Written in clear, business-friendly language, the report also helps all non-specialist decision-makers to stay on top of what’s happening right now in digital access – and more importantly, what’s ahead.”
Physical access control
Survey results presented throughout the report, in figures and tables alongside expert analysis, are based on almost 500 responses from those who work in a broad range of roles across security and facilities management, as well as IT professionals with influence over the purchasing or administration of physical access control. Almost half of respondents describe their role as “security/facility manager”.
“This year’s edition of the report comes direct from the day-to-day sharp end of strategic facilities management,” adds Richard Sharp.
Importance of sustainability
Sustainability has gone beyond ‘merely’ a consideration: for 27% of respondents
According to information from the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings consume approximately 30% of global energy. The report confirms suggestions that, increasingly, end-users and security professionals are identifying concrete ways in which digital access can help to reduce unnecessary use.
For many respondents to the survey, sustainability has gone beyond ‘merely’ a consideration: for 27% of respondents, it is the top factor when considering technology investments to enhance access management reach or capability.
Strategic driver
“For many organisations, across multiple and diverse sectors, sustainability is moving from a supporting role to a strategic driver,” says Richard Sharp. “Wireless systems, which reduce the need for cabling and complex infrastructure, are often seen as a ‘greener’ alternative. Battery-powered and energy harvesting devices generally consume much less energy than equivalent wired locks.”
“We also see fast-growing demand for green building solutions and documentation, such as Environmental Performance Declarations (EPDs) which count towards several green certification schemes we support, including BREEAM, LEED, WELL and others.”
Broader convergence trend
“Access Control as a Service reflects a broader convergence trend, with physical security now aligning more closely with IT, sustainability, and workplace experience strategies,” adds Owen Kell, Senior IoT & Security Research Associate at smart-building analysts Memoori.
“Organisations increasingly use access data to support occupancy analytics, ESG reporting, and operational efficiency.”
Preparation for upcoming regulations
The last edition of this report found significant knowledge gaps between physical and cyber security professionals
The last edition of this report found significant knowledge gaps between physical and cyber security professionals.
Presented with four important regional laws and directives which are (or soon will be) critical to cyber and physical security, 55% of survey respondents did not recognise any. Only 12% of 2023 survey respondents said they were fully prepared for the implications of cyber-security legislation.
“The situation has improved two years on, although the new Report does identify some remaining issues,” says Richard Sharp. “With NIS2 coming into force and obligations under the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act fast approaching, this remains an area where customers and manufacturers must continue close cooperation.”
Regulated risk for companies
The vast majority of 2025 survey respondents (84%) felt their organisation was either already compliant, or in the process of ensuring compliance, or that these regulations were not relevant to their situation. Worryingly, when asked directly if their organisation was prepared, 16% replied to the survey with a blunt “No”.
In providing commentary for this section, cyber-security governance expert Andy Watkin-Child of Veritas GRC notes, “Cyber security is quickly becoming a regulated risk for companies, either directly or indirectly, requiring boards to address cyber-security risk management or risk civil and/or criminal penalties.”
Accelerated mobile adoption
Adoption of mobile credentials – and mobile access management in general – has boomed
Adoption of mobile credentials – and mobile access management in general – has boomed, as widely forecasted in previous editions of this Report and elsewhere.
Data from the 2025 report indicates that just over a quarter of respondent organisations are making plans for a future mobile deployment (26% of survey respondents in 2025 versus 39% in 2023).
The market is clearly maturing. Fully mobile credential environments now account for 17% of all respondents – more than triple the rate seen in the last edition of Assa Abloy’s report, in 2023.
Early adopters
“What’s changed?” asks Richard Sharp. “Many early adopters have already transitioned: mobile digital access is for the now, not just something for the future. These teams are already experiencing the operational agility, convenience, security and sustainability benefits of mobile access.”
“We also see a marked fall in respondents who believe mobile access isn’t an option for them. Mobile digital access is embedded.”
Market maturity
Where the 2023 Report captured strong momentum towards mobile access, the 2025 edition finds increasing market maturity. As so many organisations modernise their security infrastructure, digital access systems are becoming standard, with a clear shift to mobile credentials.
Convenience and enhanced security are the key benefits which have driven this adoption – and will continue to do so, the report suggests.
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